Cheryl
by Aunt Georgia Lee
Released: Mar 30, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Why this book and why now?
Because it was time. I’ve been dreaming of bringing this story to life for over ten years. At the time, the working title was “A Minister’s Wife,” and was a slightly different take on the current story. I now realize it was the right time in my life to create a story that promoted my deep-rooted love of God and gospel music in characters who, like me, know that God loves us all, no matter our sexuality.
It was time for me to show my gratitude to a higher power that has been with me through so many ups and downs and never forsakes me. It was time to encourage others in our LGBTIQA+ community who may question if God can love them, that He does, no matter what others say. I wanted them to know the truth: that God is not a nemesis and that love is love, and that’s all that matters.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The original story was about an openly lesbian minister who falls in love through a long-distance romance with a married woman who is deep in the closet but has a chance meeting with the minister at a church conference. They become instant friends and write letters to each other, and eventually, these pen pals become long-distance lovers. Their love letters keep them connected until the woman chooses to leave her abusive marriage, comes to the minister’s city, and starts fellowshipping at her church. And so it goes.
This has drastically changed in the final book. The minister is openly lesbian and has her own inclusive church, but her love for Cheryl, a famous gospel singer, is a love that started in that very same church as they fellowshipped together within music ministry. Cheryl, of course, was in the closet, but an unexpected outing brings her back to the minister, Reverend Tabitha Scott, and to an opportunity to reclaim a love she walked away from.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Yes, of course we would. LOL! These are my girls. We all have a deep love for God, gospel music, and being of service. We’re all strong, direct, caring women, who never give up trying to be our best selves and protect our chosen family no matter how challenging life can be.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Cheryl Rose Campbell’s name is partially her birth name, but this stage name has a particular reference to things from her childhood. You’ll have to read the story to find out the origin of the name. 😉
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Charlie’s Angels. It was one of her favorite TV shows.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
1. Cheryl would definitely want to be with Tabitha. She’d go anywhere with her minister.
2. A piano so they could write beautiful music together in their temporary circumstances.
3. Her favorite makeup and hairpiece so she can still remain the sexy diva she enjoys being, even if it’s only for Tabitha’s eyes.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
The Don Margarita from 12 Cocktail Bar at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, Georgia.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“Shining My Light,” of course, a Cheryl Rose Campbell and Tabitha Scott song, from the soundtrack “The Good News,” which was created for the book.
